On Thursday, April 19, the Navy League of Canada's Central Fraser Valley Branch, along with the officers and instructors, held a short recognition ceremony for the NLCC 125 Columbia 2012 Drill Team at their Cadet Training Centre in Aldergrove.
NLCC 125 Columbia has cadets from Mission, Abbotsford, Aldergrove, Langley and surrounding areas. The 10 cadets that formed the 2012 NLCC 125 Columbia Drill Team broke the dry streak by winning the Top Drill Team of the Navy League of Canada British Columbia Mainland Division competition on Sunday, April 15, for the first time in 26 years.
They also started a family tradition for the Hessions, as the current drill instructor Sherri Hession was a cadet in the 1986 drill team that brought the trophy home the last time. Now her daughter, as a member of the 2012 drill team, helped bring the trophy back home.
The drill team consists of CI Sherri Hession (Drill Instructor), CI Bob Dewit (Asst. Drill Instructor), Petty Officer 2nd Class Henderson, K. (Drill Commander) ( Abbotsford), Petty Officer 2nd Class Lucas, B. (Mission), Leading Cadet Hession, S. (Langley), Petty Officer 2nd Class Bell, M. (Aldergrove), Petty Officer 2nd Class Dewit, A. (Langley), Leading Cadet Bakes, A. (Langley), Leading Cadet McKim, C. (Aldergrove), Ordinary Cadet Bot, T ( ), Petty Officer 2nd Class Leonard, O. (Abbotsford), Petty Officer 2nd Class Baker, A. (Langley)
President David L.Landry summed it up by stating, “As President I am overwhelmed, seeing our cadets reach the top. Three years ago we had ten navy league cadets, today we are pushing nearly 50 cadets. Our corp is growing and showing pride.”
To see the NLCC 125 Columbia Cadet Corp in action and be part of the “Battle of The Atlantic” memorial and remembrance ceremony with participants from Chilliwack through to Langley and MapleRidge, come out on May 6 to Aldergrove. Parade starts 11:30 a.m. at the Canadian Forces Base on 272 Street with the ceremony beginning at noon at the Cadet Training Centre at 4215 – 272 St. Food and beverages will be available at the Cadet Training Centre, and parking and shuttle bus service will be available.
The NLCC 125 Columbia Navy League Cadet Corp is open to any child from ages nine to 12 and meets every Thursday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Cadet Training Centre at 4215 – 272 Street.
The Navy League (ages 9-12) and Sea Cadet (ages 12-18) programs offer youth a structured environment, where along with fun times, teaches them valuable skills that will assist them in becoming respected and contributing members of our communities.